Cognos Global Partners from the UK team at HMT has advised Makutu, a specialist consultancy providing data engineering, advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, on its sale to digital transformation provider ANS.
Founded in 2020, Makutu has established a strong reputation for delivering expertise in Microsoft Fabric readiness, OneLake migration, predictive analytics and real-time IoT platforms. The company serves clients across a broad range of sectors, including local government, housing, utilities and retail, helping organisations modernise their data infrastructure and harness the value of AI.
The acquisition strengthens ANS’s data and AI capabilities, adding Makutu’s specialist expertise to its existing Microsoft-focused service offering. A long-standing strategic Microsoft partner, ANS was recognised as Microsoft Services Partner of the Year 2024 and employs more than 100 Microsoft-certified specialists, alongside four Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals.
The combined business will be well positioned to support organisations in building secure, enterprise-scale data platforms that enable the adoption of AI technologies.
As part of the transaction, Makutu’s team of 25 data architects, engineers and AI specialists will join ANS, providing the consultancy with access to a national client base, an expanded sales network and additional resources to accelerate future growth and innovation. The acquisition was supported by ANS’s financial partners, Inflexion and Barings.
Cognos Global Partners acted as lead sell-side adviser to Makutu throughout the transaction, advising on commercial negotiations, managing the due diligence process and providing end-to-end transaction support through to successful completion.
Joining ANS gives our team the scale and reach to maximise what we do best – designing and delivering data and AI solutions that transform organisations. We are proud of the reputation we have built in the Microsoft ecosystem, and are looking forward to combining our innovation and technical depth with ANS’s national presence and strong community values. HMT did an excellent job advising the shareholders of Makutu on the disposal and their deep sector expertise, commercial insight, and hands-on support throughout the process were invaluable in getting the transaction successfully completed.
Simon Blewitt, CTO at Makutu
We are delighted to have advised Simon and the team at Makutu on the disposal of the business. The acquisition of Makutu by ANS strengthens its cloud and digital expertise and progresses ANS’ ambition of becoming the UK’s leading Microsoft-focused digital transformation partner.
Andrew Thomson, Partner at HMT
